Army spokesman Felix Kulaigye dismissed the criticism of the latest appointment.

"Muhoozi didn't commit any crime by being the son of the president. He's an individual Ugandan with rights including contesting for the presidency if he wants," he said, reports the Reuters news agency.

Lt Col Muhoozi, 36, was appointed head of the special forces unit in 2008. He has had military training in both the UK and US, reports the AFP news agency.

Mr Museveni, in power since 1987, is expected to seek re-election next year.